Tavora pleased as punch after guiding Goa to win

Sahil Tavora scored the winner deep into stoppage-time after coming off the bench to send FC Goa supporters home happy as the Gaurs beat Chennaiyin FC 5-4 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday. Tavora put in a match-winning performance for Goa by scoring a brace on the historic night that ended as the highest-scoring match in the history of the league. The 21-year-old’s winner came in dramatic fashion courtesy of an exquisite finish that gave Karanjit Singh no chance in goal. The youngster spoke to indiansuperleague.com in an exclusive interview after the match and shared his thoughts on the game. Here are the excerpts.

You are ending the season on a winning note, how does it feel?

I feel it was very important for us to end on a winning note in front of our crowd. Regardless of the results and performances this season, they have come out in large numbers to support us and we wanted to give them a good final home game and that’s what we did, showing great character coming from behind.

You played really well in the second half, can you tell us what was discussed in the half-time team talk?

We were just told to work hard and run, to chase every ball to give the fans what they deserve. They have come out in large numbers despite the results being so bad but that also shows that we have a great set of fans. They are the best in the country and I’m happy we can send them home happy tonight.

This is your first season and today you scored two gaols. How has your overall experience been?

My two goals helped the team, I think it was a great team display. As I said earlier we showed great character. We came from behind to win against a great team like Chennai. So I think it was a great team performance to win here.

The Goan fans really got behind the team today, any message for them…

I feel a sense of gratitude towards them. Despite the results not being favourable, they have come in large numbers. I just want to say thank you and urge them to keep supporting us. We will come back stronger next season and we need them to get behind the team.